Franklin County Tourist Development County June 12th Newsletter: Tourist Talk

A compilation of news items from the Franklin County TDC Administrative Offices

Curt Blair – Administrator     Laura Graham – Executive Assistant

St. George Island Beach #3:

St. George Island has been ranked the third best beach in all of the United States by Mr. Beach’s annual ranking. This is a great honor and testimony to the work done by the Commission, TDC, the State Park, and area groups.

Summer Meeting Schedule:

The TDC has approved its summer meeting schedule.  There will only be one meeting scheduled for TDC Board and Committees instead of two meetings in July and August. Board and Committee meetings will be held on July 22 and August 19 beginning at 2:00 P.M. at the Eastpoint Visitor Center.

Fall Get-a-Way:

The TDC has selected the topic of our Fall Get-a-Way drawing. This period’s drawing will feature the pet friendly nature of our community and will provide the winner with a stay at a local pet friendly hotel, dinner at pet friendly restaurants and a series of pet gifts. The drawing will be done in time for a September visit.

Contracts:

The TDC will be discussing vendor contracts at their special meeting on July 22 beginning at 2:00 P.M. at the Eastpoint Visitor Center.  All vendors, Visitor Centers and Sustaining Grant contracts will be up for review by the TDC Board. In addition the Board will be considering the list of non-profits that will be included in the 2015-16 non-profit promotions program.

Visit Florida Grants:

The TDC is happy to announce the receipt of two Visit Florida Grants for the coming year.  The first grant is expected to help cover the cost of the Seafood Workers memorial we have discussed. The second grant will assist in improving displays at the visitor centers.

Travel Articles:

The TDC approved assistance to two travel writers and one photographer at their meeting this month. One writer will be doing a feature on Carrabelle for a boating magazine in late July. The second writer visited last week and is doing an article for See South Mississippi magazine that will feature three destinations within driving distance of Biloxi. The three locations are St. George Island/Apalachicola,  St. Simons and Galveston Texas.  St. Simons and Galveston are our two top competitors for beach destinations and we are excited to be included in the article. The photographer is doing a photo shoot for Southern Lady Magazine an Alabama publication. Assistance with this visitor is a cooperative effort between the TDC and the Apalachicola Chamber.  We are delighted to be a part of this effort and look forward to doing more cooperatives with our Chambers in the future.

Volunteers:

The TDC Is looking for personable volunteers of a slight stature that want to dress in an oyster costume and attend local events.  No experience necessary but a desire to be anonymous, pose for pictures and be generally charming is a must.  For information call Jean Lane at 850-670-3474.